Mining and loading machine



July 3, 192a. 1,675,72 3

E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LQADING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 2 1922 c. MORGAN IINING AND LOADING MACHINE July 3, 1928.

Filed July 28. 1922 10 Sheets-Sheet. 2

' 3 Inperzzvx innummmii Q v3 July 2., 192s;

Y 1,675,723 E. c. MORGAN EINING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed July 28. 1922 10 Sheets-sheet a Jo, 6/ J7 J5 258 if M w 1 (a Z5 v 60 I! 24 In??? "'7"? I' l i Y 4 July 3, 1928.

E. c. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 28. 1922 July 3, 1928. I I 1,675,723

- E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed July 28. 1922 10 "Sh eets-Sheet 5 July 3, 1928.

E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING NACNINE Filed Jul 28. 1922 Y 1O Sheets-Sheet 6 a: 1 v x July 3, 1928;

E. c. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed July 28, 1922 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 fidezzivr July 3,1928. 1,615,123

E. C. MORGAN HIRING AND LOADING MACHINE Filed July 28, 1922 l0 Sheets-Sheet B ,7/ v g ////A- E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE July 3, 1928.

Filed July 28. 1922 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 E. /C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING luicnnu:

July 3, 1928.

10 Sheets-Sheet l0 m y 2a; 1922 fiwww- A Patented July 3, 1928.

UNITED STATES EDMUND o'. MORGAN,

1,675,723 PATENT OFFICE.

OF YORK, N. Y.; OLIVE EUGENIE-MORGAN EXECUTRIX OF SAID EDMUND C. MORGAN, DECEASED.

MINING AND LOADING MACHINE.

Application filed July 28,

A further object of the invention is the provision of loading apparatus particularly adapted for use in connection with mining mechanism and which may be extended to various distances so as to convev dislodged material to varying loading positions.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved kart-cutting mechanism comprising detachable cutter frames to provide for the quick renewal of the cutting elements.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved means for detachably mounting a horizontal kerf-cutter which has the cutter bits in the gear teeth so that a narrow lserf may be cut and the kerf-cutter projected into a mine vein a distance approxin'iatelytwo-thirds of its diameter.

A further object of theinvention is the provision of improved means for mounting cutter bits in the teeth of a large gear in staggered relation and so that the cutter bits may be inserted and withdrawn from opposite lateral faces of the gear teeth.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved supporting mechanism For a kerf-cutter which has the cutting bits in its teeth and which is driven by a pinion meshing with such teeth, such sup porting mechanism being located distant from the center of the kcrf-cutter so that the kcrfcutter may he" supported with maximum strength and so that such kerf-cutter may cut a narrow kerf deeply into a mine vein.

A further ohieirt of the invention is the provision of. a plurality of spaced-apart horizontal kert-cutters each adjustable in inclination on a horizontal axis independent of each other and each. adjustable in e1evation independent of each other and all of them adjustable in inclination as a whole on a horizontal axis.

A further object of the invention the provision of adjusting mechanism for an 1922. Serial No. 578,027,

upright kerf-cutter which is adapted to cut a hurt spaced back from the face of a mine vein, such adjusting mechanism permitting said kertcutter to be varied in elevation and also in inclination on two different horizontal axes spaced from each other.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for detachably connecting a. ring cutter holder from an upright kerf-cutter which is adapted to extend nearly from the plane of'the floor to the plane of the roof to cut a kerf spaced back from the face of a mine wall.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a flexible extensible vertical wall adapted to cooperate with an extensible traveling conveyor to hold blocks of coal on the latter.

Another object of the invention is the pro vision of means adapted to travel with a reciprocable sliding belt conveyer in one direction of movementof such conveyer and be automatically gripped between the floor and roof of a mine chamber to act as an abutment to prevent the coal from returning when the belt is reciprocated for another load. ii i A still further object of the invention is a system of mining-comprising the cutting of horizontal. columns of coal and the provision of extensible reciprocating sliding belt conveyers for delivering the dislodged coal from a mine wall to supplemental conveyors in spaced-apart lateralentries for loading into mine cars on tracks in such entries.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings- Fig. 1 represents an elevational View of my improved mining mechanism with a part of the loading apparatus attached thereto;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the mining and loadin mechanism shown in Fi 1: I l Big. 0 1s a sectional velevatlon taken on the line 3-3 of F ig. 2 looking in the direc- Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation of Fig. 2 taken on the line 6-6 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail plan View, partly broken away, showing the construction of each of the horizontal kerf-cutters in plan view;

Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation on the line 88 of Fig. 7 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail view showing the preferred construction of the driving mechanism which meshes with the gear teeth of the large horizontal spaced-apart kerfcutters;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on the line 1010 of Fig. 9 looking in the direction of the arrow;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged elevational view of the details of the upright kerf-cutter for cutting a kerf extending approximately from the plane of the floor to the plane of the roof, the supporting plate for said kerf-cutter being shown in section;

Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the ring cutter carrier in position for detachment from the disc cutter-frame;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a portion of Fig. 2, partly in horizontal section, to show details of the power transmitting mechanism for driving the upright kerf-cutter;

Fig. 14 is an elevational "iew of the loading apparatus which is adapted to be connected to the mining mechanism shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 1 and Fig. 14 placed end to end showing the complete mining and loading machine;

Fig. 15 is a plan view of the loading mechanism shown in Fig. 14 and when placed end. to end with Fig. 2 shows a complete mining and loading apparatus in plan;

Fig. 16 is a sectional side elevation of the abutment mechanism for preventing the coal from being returned with the conveyer when the latter is reciprocated;

Fig. 17 is an end view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 16, partly in section, to show details of the belt gripping mechanism; and

Fig. 18 is a digrammatic plan view illus trating a system of mining employing the mining and loading apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1 to 17, inclusive.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, 19 designates a base frame which is adapted to rest on and slide over a mine floor adjacent a mine wall. This base frame is elongated, as shown in Fig. 2, and is adapted to support the three horizontal spaced-apart rotary kerf-cutters 20, 21 and 22, and also the upright rotary kerfcutter 23 which is in position to cut a kerf spaced back from the face of a mine wall. Secured to the base plate 19 as by means of a bolt 24 is a bracket 25, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. This bracket is secured rigidly to the base plate 19 and is provided with a journal bearing for the rock shaft 26 which is connected at its ends to the hinge eyes 27, 28 at the lower end of the vertical standard 29. The latter is provided with a vertical guideway 30 into which extends with a dovetail fit the three spaced-apart brackets 31, 32 and 33. These dovetail brackets 31, 32 and 33 are each independently adjustable in elevation either manually or by means of vertical screw-threaded rods 254, 255 and 256 connected to the standard 29 and extending vertically through screw-threaded openings in said brackets, said screw-threaded rods being rotated by means of separate electric motors 257, 258 and 259 respectively, shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3, thus securing independent power-actuated mechanism for adjusting the elevation of each of the brackets 31, 32 and 33.

- Pivotally connected at 34 to the bracket 31 is a cutter-carrying arm 35 to which is detachably connected at 36 the uppermost rotary kerf-cutter 20. By referring to Figs. 2 and 3 it will be seen that the cutter-carrying arm is provided with spaced-apart perforated ears 37 and 38 on opposite sides of the bracket 31 with the pivot rod 34 passing through said ears and an opening in the bracket 31. The bracket 35 is provided with spaced-apart slots 39, 40 and 41 which are adapted to fit over bolts 42, 43 and 44 which extend downwardly from the cutter-frame 45. By loosening the nuts 46, 47 and 48 the rotary cutter 20 may be easily detached from the support 35 and replaced b another cutter in w lich all of the cutter blts 49 are sharpened and adjusted in proper positions. As shown in Fig. 3, the cutter-carrying arm 35 has secured thereto a segment of a worm gear 50 with which meshes a worm.

51 mounted in the brackets 52 which are secured rigidly to the bracket 31. By applying a socket wrench to the squared shaft 53 the worm 51 maybe turned so as to rotate the worm gear 50 on the pivot 34 and thus vary the inclination of the cutter-carrying arm 35 and thereby adjust the inclination of the plane of operation of the kerf-cutter 20.

In a similar manner the kerf-cutter 21 may be adjusted by the worm gearing 54 on the axis 55. Also in a similar manner the kerfcutter 22 may be adjusted by the worm gearing 56 on the axis 57. The kerf-cutter 21 is carried by the cutter-carrying arm 58 and is detachably connected to the latter by means of bolts 59 similar to the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The cutter 22 is likewise supported by a cutter-carrying arm 60 to which is detachably connected the cutter 22 by means of the bolt 60' and slot connections similar to that {illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. Set screws 61, 62 and 63 may be provided for the lespective brackets 31,

32 and 33 to hold them at adjusted element of the machines.

1 in elevation along the standard 29 and may beheld at adjusted elevation by a set screw.

It should also-be noted that each kerf-cutter is adjustable in inclination on a horizontal axis. Each of the cutters 18 also independentl'y detachable from its respective cutterc'arrying arm.

The three kerf-cutters may be adjusted into a position so as to be in spaced-apart parallel planes parallel to the path of move- The three kert-eutters after being adjusted intoiixed relation to each other by means of the independent adjusting devices, may be adjusted as a whole in inclination on the axis 26. For this purpose a bracket arm 64 is secured to the vertical standard 29, 'as'shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and is adapted to receive a set screw 65 which occupies a vertical position so astoengage the upper surface of the base plate 19. The arm 64 extends at an angle toward the inner side of the base plate 19 so as to be in position to tilt the vertical standard 29- on the axis 26 when the set screw (35 is moved up "or down.

WVhen the set screw 65 is moved up the weight of the cuttingmechanism will be suiiicient to tilt the standard 29*towardthe inenr side of the base plate 19, and when the set screw 65 is moved in the opposite direction the cutting mechanism will belifted and the standard 29 tilted toward the outer side of the base plate 19. in order to'holdthe standard 29 at adjusted inclination on the axis 26 an auxiliary arm 66is extended from the opposite side of the standard 29 so as to be on the opposite side of the axis A set screw 67 extends through. the arm 66 in position to engage the base plate19, as

shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. It willbe seen that when the arm 64 is tilted up or down the auxiliary arm 66 will likewise be titlted, but after the adjustment desired has been made the set screw 67 may be tightened so as to firmly hold the standard 29 at the adjusted inclination relative to the base plate 19 and thereiiorethe three spacedapart horizontal kerf-cutters will be held at adjusted inclination relative to the base plate 19.

The three horizontal kerf-eutters are "similar in construction and therefore description of one will also apply to the others. The preferred construction of the horizontal kerf-eutters is shown in Figs. 7' to 10, inclusive. Secured to the periphery of the disc cutter-frame 45% by means of rivets 68 are annular plates 69 and 70 which lie flush with the spaced-apart faces of the cutterframe 45- and afford an annular runway for the roller bearing mechanism 71. This roller bearing mechanism comprises spaced-apart cylinders 72 which rotate at 73 between rings 'M. The ring cutter-frame 20 is extendedinto the annuiar groove formed? by the ring plates 69 and 70. j

As shown in Figs. 7 to 10, inclusive, one cutter bit 49 is mounted on each of the gear teeth 75' of the ring cuttenframe 20'. A rectilinear opening extends through one of the lateral faces of the ring cutter-frame 20 to the outer end ofthe gear tooth 75. Each of these openings is screw-threaded, as shown at 76 in Fig. 10, to receive the lower screw-threaded portion 77 of the cutter bit. The rear end of each of the cutter bits is also provided with a slot 78 for receiving a screw driver so that the extent to which the cutter projects from the gear tooth may be adjusted. After being ad justed it may be secured in adjusted position bymeans of a set screw 79.

Some of the cutter bitsextend into the gear teeth from one side ofthe cutter ring 20 and some or the cutter bits extend through the gear teeth from the opposite side of the cutter ring 20. For instance, the cutter bit 49 shown in Fig) 9 on the section line 10-10 extends into an opening 76 from one side of the cutter-frame 20, whereas the cutter 19 just to the left extends into the gear tooth 75 from the opposite side of the cutter ring 20. This is for the purpose of permitting the cutters to bearranged at varying inclinations relative to each other asyshown by the dotted line positions 80 in Fig. 10, so that akerf will be cut of suflicient width to provide ample clearance for feeding of the kei'tcut-ter during the cutting operation.

Separate independent driving mechanism is provided for each of the respective cutters 20, 21 and Eaclrof these cutters comprisesa large gear into the teeth of which the cutters extend and from which they project, as shown in the various views of the drawings. As shown in Fig. 2, a driving pinion 81 is pivoted at 82 .111 position to mesh with the gear teeth 75 of the ring cutter 29. There is ample clearance, noweveia, for the gear teeth 75 of the ring cutter 20 to mesh with thegear teeth 83 of the driving pinion 81 without interfering with the cutters 49. If desired the pinion 81 may be provided with curved recesses 84, as shown in Fig. 9, so as to provide ample clearance for cutters of any size which may be desired.

The driving pinion 81 ispivoted at 82 to the cutter-carrying arm 35 and an electric motor 85 may be connected to the pinion 81 in the manner illustrated in Fig. 1. By referring toFig. 1 it will be seen that the motor '85 is connected to a pinion in the gear casing 86 which meshes with a larger gear inthe gear'casingST, which larger gear is connected to drive the pinion 81 which meshes with the gear teeth of the cutter 20 in the manner illustrated in Figs. 2 and 9. It should be particularly noted that the driving pinion 81, the motor 85 and the interconnecting gearing are all mounted on the cutter-carrying arm 35 so as to move bodily therewith. Therefore, whenever the cuttercarrying arm 35 is adjusted on the axis 34 the pinion 81 will remain in mesh with the gear teeth 75. Also when the cutter 20 is adjusted in elevation along the standard 29 the mechanism for driving the cutter will be .moved bodily up and down with the latter.

the intermediate In a similar manner kerf-cutter 21 is driven by an electric motor 88 connected to a driving pinion 89 and mounted to be supported on the cutter-carrying arm 58. The floor kerf-cutter 22 is driven by an electric motor 90 which is connected to a driving pinion 91 and mounted for support on the cutter-carrying arm 60. .The driving pinions 89 and 91 mesh with the gear teeth of the cutters 21 and 22, respectively, in a manner similar to the connection between the pinion 81 and the gear teeth of the cutter 20, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and-9.

The mechanism for supporting and operating the vertical kerf-cutter 23 is shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13. The cutter 23 comprises a disc cutter-support 92 which is secured to the horizontal plate 93 as by means of the screws 94. This plate 93 is pivotally connected at 95 to a bracket 96 for adjustment in inclination on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the base plate 19. The bracket 96 may be adjusted in elevation along the standard 97 by means of a screw-threaded rod 261 ex tending through the bracket 96 and operated by a motor 260 mounted on the standard 97. \Vhen the bracket 96 has been adjusted in elevation it may be secured in position by means of the set screw 98, as shown in Fig. 5. V

Secured to the plate 93 is a segmental gear 99 with which meshes a worm 100 journaled in bearings in the brackets 101 which are fixed to the bracket 96. By applying a socket wrench to the squared shaft 102 the worm 100 may be rotated to move the gear 99 and thus swing the plate 93 up or down to adjust the upright plane of operation of the kerf-cutter 23.

The upright standard 97 is pivotally con nected at 103 to the bracket 104 which is bolted at'105 to the base plate 19. An arm adapted to receive the set screw 109, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. By loosening the set screw Y109 and operating the set screw 107 the standard 97 together with the up right kerf-cutter 23 mounted thereon may be adjusted in inclination and after adjustment has been secured it maybe set in fixed relation to the base plate 19 by means of the set screw 109.

By referring to Fig. 2 it will be seen that the bracket 96 has a dovetail connection with the standard 97 similar to the dovetail connection at 30 for the horizontal kerf-cutters. Such interlocking connections permit adjustment in elevation of the kerfcutting mechanism and pro erly hold them from tilting downwardly. hen downward tilting adjustment is desired it may be secured by the worm gear adjusting mechanism. (See 99, 100, Fig. 5.)

In order to drive the upright kerf-cutter 23 an electric motor 110 is mounted on the plate 93, as shown in Figs. 2 and 13. The shaft of this motor is connected to a pinion 111 which meshes with a gear 112 mounted on the transverse shaft 113 which extends through the plate 93 to the side thereof which is adapted to extend into the mine wall. The gearing 111, 112, as well as the motor 110, are completely covered by suitable casings 114, as shown in Figs. 2 and 13.

On the shaft 113 at the end thereof opposite the gear 112 is a driving pinion 115 which meshes with an annular gear 116, as shown in Figs. 11 and 13. The annular gear 116 isformed in an annular recess in one of the faces of the ring support 117 which is mounted to rotate on ball bearings 118 about the disc 92 which is secured rigidly .to the plate 93 by means of the screws 94. be formed by the annular plates 119 and 120 secured to the opposite faces of the disc 92 as by means of the rivets 121, as shown in Fig,

13. The annular plate 120 may be larger in width so as to also cover the annular space which is provided for travel of the pinion 115 relatively to the annular gear 116, the latter therefore being enclosed.

On the periphery of the rotatable ring 117 by means of interlocking connections is mounted a cutter ring 122. In Fig. 11 the cutter ring 122 is shown in interlocking engagement with the rotatable carrier 117 while in Fig. 12 the ring 122 is shown in position for detachment from the carrier 117. The cutter ring 122 is provided with a series of spaced-apart inward projections 123 which are provided with lateral cams 124 tapered as shown in Fig. 12 in position to enter correspondingly tapered recesses 125 of the radial extensions 126. As before stated, F i 11 shows the ring cutter 122 in interloc 'ng engagement with the carrier 117, the cams 124 fitting into the recesses The ball bearing runway may Imam 125 .of the radial extensions 126 in such a manner that during the cutting operation the wedging effect is increased, thus hold ingthe ring 122securely in interlocking engagement with the carrier 117. In Fig. 12 the radial extensions 123 and 126 are arranged alternately, thus permitting the ring 122 to be moved laterally from the carrier 117 so that another ring cutter of larger orsmaller diameter may beplaced on the carrier 117 with thecutters 127 in adjusted positions after having been re-sharpened.

By referring to Figs. 1, 5 and 6 it will be seen that thecutter 23 may be ofsuch a diameter as to nearly sever the block of coal 128 ;in entirety so that the weight of the coal will break it from the unmined mass at the points 1129 and 130. The thickness of the coal left atithepoints 131 and 132 in Fig. 6.maybe regulated by varying the diameter of the .cutter 23. The diameter of the latter may be adjusted by providing rings 122 of the desired diameters.

In order to feed the mining machine shown in Figs. 1 ,and2 during the driving of .the horizontal "kerf-cutters 20, 21 and 22 and the vertical kenf cutter 23 by means of the respective independently operated electric. motors 85, 88, 90 and 110, I have provided ,rope winding mechanism 133 on the forward end of the base frame 19. This rope-winding mechanism may comprise a frame 134 secured vtothebase plate 19. On this frame 13.4.is mounted an electric motor 1-35 :for driving therope drum 136 on which is .wounda trope 137, the free end of which is connected :to a roof jack 138 which is adapted tobe .secured betweenithe floor and roof of the mine chamber, .as shown ,in Fig. 1. By means of the rope-winding mechanism comprising "the ,rope with its free end connected xto an anchorage in the mine the whole ;machine .may be fed forward rectilinearly -in a long wall mining operation.

lll'l lgs. 3 to 6, inclusive, I have shown diagrammatically the nature of the coal where it contains dirty bands 139, 1&10, 1&1 and 142. then coal containing such dirty bands 'is blasted the foreign material mixes with the broken down coal and it is difiicult to eliminate such foreign material. It is therefore preferred to .retain the coal in comparatively large blocks so that when re moved from the .mine the elimination of the foreign ,material in the dirty bands will be greatly facilitated.

"While the motor 88 shown in Fig. 4 drives .the cutter 21 :through the train of caring .143, 144 in the casing 145, as shown 111 F ig. .4, the platform 93 supports the block of coal above the same while the vertical kerf-cutter .23 is being fed forward, but when the column of coal extends rearwardly beyond the rear edge of the platform 93 it tends to breakaway from the unmined mass before itv is read to be delivered to the loading apparatus hereinafter described. In order to hold'the upper column of coal 147 (Fig. 5) while the lower column of coal 148 is being removed, a supporting plate 149 may be provided. The plate 149 is pivotally connected to the plate 93 to swing horizontally on an upright axis 151. The worm gear segment 150 is secured ,to the swinging plate 149, as shown in Fig. 6. worm ,152 is mounted between bracket arms 153 which are secured to the late 93. When a socket wrench is applied to the squared shaft 154 the plate 149 may be swung into the kerf, as shown in Figs. 1

j and 6, to-in effect extend the rear supporting surfaceof the plate 93. The plate 149 may be provided with an upright projection 155 to assist in holding the up er column of coal in place. hen desire the supporting plate may be swung out of the kerf when the long rearwardly projecting column of coal is tov be relied on to effect breaking down of its own weight.

The loading apparatus shown in the drawings is particularly adapted for use with the mining mechanism shown, but it should be understood that it may have a general application. In fact, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the loading apparatus may be detached at 156 from the mining I mechanism andused separately therefrom.

The loading apparatus comprises a supplemental base. plate 157 which is adapted to rest on and slide over the mine floor, together withthe base plate 19. The rear end of-the base plate 19 isprovided with a transverse flange 158 V which is adapted to be bolted to a similar transverse flange 159 on the forward end of the base plate 157. In Figs. 1 and-6 a series of bolts 160 are shown for detachably connecting the supplemental base plate 157 to the mining machine base plate 19.

Secured to the rear portion of the base plate 157 at 161 is a bracket 162 to which is ivoted at 163 a supporting plate 164 which lsadapted to rest on the mine floor between the base plate 157 and the inner end of the horizontal floor kerf, as shown in Fig. *6. By means of worm gearing 165 the plate 16& may be adjusted in elevation and when desired this plate 161 may be thus lifted to pry loose thecolumn of coal 148 from the unmined mass or to break a portion from the rear end of the lower column 148.

Pivotally mounted in a 'slot 166 in the plate 16*} is a pulley 167, shown in Figs. 2 and 6. Rope-winding mechanism 168 is mounted on the base plate 157 and comprises a rope 169 which extends around the pulley 167 and is connected at its end to the for ward end of the belt orapron 17 0 which is adapted to rest on and slide over the mine floor. The. winding mechanism 168 may comprise an electric motor 171 and suitable gearing connected to the winding drum 172.

By placing Figs. 1 and 14 end to end and by placing Figs. 2 and 15 end to end it will be seen that the sliding belt or apron 170 extends from the belt-winding mechanism illustrated at the right-hand portions of Figs. 14 and 15. The belt 170 is made of flexible material, such as sheet steel, so that it may be wound on the drum 173. This winding drum 173 is mounted on a shaft 174 in suitable journal bearings mounted on the base frame 175. The latter may be anchored in position by the roof jack 176 which is preferably pivotally connected at 177 to the base frame 175 so as to occupy an inclined position when in use, as shown in Fig. 14, and to be folded into a small or compact space when the belt-winding mechanism is being transported.

At one end of the shaft 174 is secured a gear 17 8 which meshes with a pinion 179 connected to an electric motor 180.

While the lower column of coal is being permitted to extend rearwardly and the mining mechanism is being fed along the mine wall, portions thereof may be broken away either by their own, weight or by means of the prying mechanism shown at 164m Fig. 6. The blocks of coal thus broken from the lower column are received on the belt 170 while the plate 149 holds the upper column in elevated position. \Vhen the rope drum 168 is released and the motor 180 operated to wind the drum 173 the belt 170 with the blocks of coal thereon, as shown in Figs. 2 and 15, may be moved toward the anchored belt-winding mecha nism.

In order to deflect the blocks of coal from the belt when such blocks reach the position shown at the right-hand end of Fig. 15, an upright deflecting plate 181 is provided, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15. This plate is pivoted at 182 to the frame 175 and 1s provided with an opening 183 for receiving a hook or latch 184 which is pivoted at 185 to the frame 175, as shown in Fig. 15. When the hook 184 is in the position shown in Fig. 15 the plate 181 will be held in the anchored position illustrated so as to defleet the block of coal 186 laterally from the belt 170 onto such other conveymg mechanism as may be provided and as 1s lllllS- trated in Fig. 18.

After the belt 170 has been wound on the drum 173 to such an extent that all of the coal on the belt has been moved rearwardly and deflected by the plate 181 off the bolt. the latter may again be moved forwardly for another load. In order to effect this operation the motor 171 is operated to wind the drunr172'andexert a pull on the rope 169.

- While the belt is being pulled forwardly for another load it may be desirable to retard the movement of the drum 173 so that the belt will not unwind too quickly. A pulley 187 is therefore mounted on the shaft 174 in position to be engaged by a springpressed brake-shoe'188. \Vhen the motor 180 is operated,however, to rotate the drum 173 to wind the belt thereon the brake-shoe 188 may be released from the pulley 187 by means of the lever 189, and this lever may be held in released position by the latch 190. r

It should also be noted that while the belt 170 is being moved in the direction for delivering a load thereon the mining operation may continue and the lower column be held in elevated position by the plate 164 shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, when the belt 170 is returned for anotherload it may be freely moved by the rope 169 along the kerf under the column of coal 148. Itshould also be noted that when desired and after the coal has been loaded from the lower column the supporting plate 149 may be shifted laterally out from under the column of coal 147 so as to allow the latter to fall of its own weight and be directed to the belt 170 to be ieceived by the latter and moved toward loading posit-ion.

nn adjustable extensible vertical wall may be provided by an additional upright flexible belt 191 pivoted at 192 to the rear inner end of the base plate 157. This vertical belt 191 is extended rearwardly, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, into position to be wound on the drum 193 which is mounted on a vertical shaft 194 journaled in bearings supported on the frame 175. An electric motor 195 is carried by a bracket 196 and is provided with a pinion 197 which meshes with the gear 198 for driving the shaft 194 and therefore operating the drum 193 to wind thereon the belt 191 and thus hold the latter taut during the loading operations.

While the frame 175 is'anehored by the roof jack 176 the mining machine is continually being fed forward rectilinear-1y and therefore the vertical belt 191 because of its attachment at 192 to the frame 157 is also being continually being drawn forward. This belt 191 must therefore be gradually unwound from the drum 193 during the operation ofthe mining machine. A pulley 199 is mounted on the vertical shaft 194, as shown in Fig. 14, and is provided with a spring-pressed brake-shoe 200 so as to retard the unreeling of the vertical belt 191. When desired, however, the brake-shoe 200 may be released by means of a lever 201 shown in Fig. 15 and held in released position by the latch or hook 202.

By releasing the brake-shoes 188 and 200 and locking the drum 172 against rotation the frame 175 and the parts mounted thereon may be moved forward to new posimenace tions after releasing 'the roof jack 176 and starting the operation of the winding drum-s 173 and 193. If desired, however,.a winding drum 203 may be mounted on the base frame 157 for operation by an electric motor 204. This winding mechanism 203 would then comprise a rope 205, the free end of which would be adapted to be connected to the frame 17 5 so asito-dra-g the same over themine floor and place it in position nearer the frame 157. Durmgthe operation of:the

Winding mechanism 203 to move :the frame 175 to a new position the roof jack 1176 would be in released position and both the belt drums 173 and 193 opcrated to take :up

the slack which would occur in the belts 170 and 191 durin such ad'ustin oaeran J D 1 tion.

By detaching-tho rear base plate 157 from the forward base plate 19 the loading apparatus may be used separately from the 'mining mechanism. F or instance,'.1f the vertical -kerf isso related to the horizontal 'kerf as to leave much more coal at the points illustrated at 131 and 132 in Fig. 6, the columns ofcoal will remain intact and attached to the mine wall untilthe loading apparatus isready for operation. The plate 164 of Fig. 6 being conneeted to the base plate 157, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6, the breaking down mechanism may be operated in connection with the loading apparatus. The upper columns could be dislodged by manual prying devices inserted in-theupper- When the loadingapparatus is used separatelyfrom the-mining mechanismthe winding mechanism illustrated at 206 in Fig. 2

may be used. 'This rope-winding mechanism comprises an electric motor 207 for drivingthe drum on which is wound arope 208 which'is provided with a hook 209 -;for connection to an anchorage, such as that illustrated at 138 inFig. 1.

It should be particularly noted that by reason of the belt-winding mechanism the belt or apron 170 may'be extended along the mine floor to considerable lengths and yet the apparatus when transported need occupy only a comparatively small amountof space. In other words, bymeans of the beltwinding mechanism an elongated belt 7 con veyer may be laid out to varying lengths and to varying distances atany timedesired,

'butwhenthe apparatus is to be transported into or out ofthe mine or tonew locations in the minc,-the a paratus is =very compact.

It shouldhe un erstoodthat sincethebelt 170 is shown broken apart at 210 and the belt 1911sshown'broken apartat 211, the

' 'belt maybe extended tocoilisielerable distances'. *In some instances whenthe belt is returned for another load it may tend to "return some coal which has not beenunloaded therefrom. In order i to prevent the iinglpositinn, :but when :thezbclt istto kbe recoal from returning with the :belt 170 'the :apparatus shown in Figs. 16 and 17 may be provided to automatically actas abutments to prevent return of the coal but to permit tree return of the belt 170 toward the mini ing mechanism.

The mechanism shown in ;Figs. l6 and 17 comprises a base plate 212 which isadapted to rest on and slide over the mine .tloor. Pivoted to one side of the plate 212 at 2.13 :isa yoke214 whichiis provided with spacedapart journal hearings for the rock shaft 215. Mounted on tthe rook shaft 215 is a transversely extending :pawl or fclutch 216 which is :adapted toengage the upper surface of thcbelt 1.70and grip the same automatically when the belt 170 isrmoved toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 16. \Vhen the belt 1.70 is moved toward the left with .a

block of coal 217 thereon the belt may be moved freely toward the aloft, but the coal .liftor lower the shoe 227 which :is pivoted at228 to=the upper endof the .rod222. .A

spring .229 is connected .to the yoke 214 at 230 :in position to urge 'the :roof jack toward a vertical position in orderrto hold the shoe 227 againstthezroof 231 of themine chamber. I

The automaticroof ij aclmnechanism shown in Figs. 16and 17 ma be loeated'near the unloading position of; helbelt .170 inreadiness to'be connected tothebelt so thatwhen 'thelatter is pulled forward into position'for another load the abutment mechanism will nn act to holdthe coal which is 'onthe beltnear the loading positionofsthe apparatus. For instance, if threeblocks are .left onthe belt when the latter is tob'e pulled fforwardfor anotherlload the roof jaclcmechanism shown in 'Figs. :16 and 1'7.may be connected to the belt between the coal on the .belt and the free end of the belt. This may lreadilybe done because the yoke 12154: is pivoted at 213 to the base plate 212 and isdetachably con heated at 232 to the bracket .233 which extends from the right hand end of the base plate 212 as viewed in Fig. 17. ByreIeasing theJeotter-pin 234'shown in Fig. '16 and withdrawing the pin235,.the yoke 214 may betilted on its pivot 213 by swingin the 'wholeroof jackilaterally. .Duringsuc position of-theroofijackthe'belt with the coal thereon maybe freely moved toward loadturned for another load the abutment 228 may be swung into position ahead of the blocks of coal on the belt and the pin 235 inserted into the position shown in Fig. 16. Then when the belt 170 moves toward the left the block of coal 217 will be held near loading position and not returned with the belt. Any tendency of the belt 170 to move the roof jack toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 16, will be reisted by the shoe 227 more firmly gripping the roof 231. V-hen the belt drum 173 is operated to move the belt 170 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 16, the belt 170 will grip the cam 216 and cause the entire roof jack to be moved toward the right and thisoperation will act to cause the abutment face 218 to engage the coal on the belt near loading position and move the same forcibly against the deflecting plate 181. In fact the device shown in Figs. 16 and 17 may be placed back of the coal near the free end of the belt after the coal has been placed on the belt so that the clutch 216 may be relied on to grip the belt so that the roof jack will act automatically as means for engaging the coal to positively move the latter toward loading position and prevent the belt from slipping under the coal. In such event the roof jack mechanism may be returned to its initial position near the mining apparatus by disconnecting such roof jack mechanism from the belt and placing it on the upper surface thereof for transportation to the mining mechanism. In Fig. 18 is illustrated my improved tem of mining coal with the use of the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 17 inclusive. After driving the spaced-apart entries 236 and 237 and providing space back of the coal vein 238, mining operations may be carried on by the retreating method permitting the space 239 which has been mined out to subside or cave in. In order to properly sustain the roof adjacent the paths of operation of the mining and loading machines a series of roof props may be provided, as

shown at 2 10, 241 and 242.

Mining machines of the type shown in Fig. 2 are located at 243 and 241. Anchorages 245 and 246 may be provided for the ends of the ropes 137, 137 which are con- 'nected to the rope-winding devices 136, 136.

The machines 243 and2-14 may start in the entries 236 and 237, respectively, and be fed toward each other, as shown in Fig. 18. Meanwhile the loading apparatus comprising the belt 170 may be provided to move the blocks of coal toward the entries 236 and 237 and then deflected by the diagonal vertical deflectors 181, 181 onto the supplemental conveyers 2-17 and 2 18 for delivery of the coal to mine cars 249 and 250 which are on the mine tracks 251 and 252, respectively.

The automatic abutment mechanism shown 217 and 218 and thence into the mine cars.

Une mining machine may be operated farther than the other so as to complete the mining operation across the working face of the mine vein. It is preferred to use two mining machines for supplying the coal to mine cars in two spacedapart entries, but it should be understood that the extensible conveyer also permits one mining machine to be used entirely across the working face between the two entries while the mined coal is being delivered to the mine car in only one entry. \Vhile these mining operations are taking place substantially half across the working face or entirely across the working face the vertical belt 191 is also extended so as to continually afford a vertical wall for the horizontal belt 170 during the loading operation of the latter. After a mining and loading operation has been effected entirely across the working face of the vein 238 the mining machines be re located in the entries 236 and 237 and both the mining mechanism and the loading mechanism shifted forwardly along the entries 236 and 237 to new starting positions. The entries 236 and 237 need not be very wide for this purpose because the belts 170 and 191 may be reeled up and occupy a comparatively small space at the rear end of the mining machines. The total length of the mining mechanism and the loading mechanism at the initial positions in the entries is therefore comparatively short notwithstanding the fact that the conveyer may be extended as desired to considerable lengths. w

As the mining operations proceed across the working face repeatedly new rows of roof-sustaining props are installed to sustain the roof near the mining operations while the rear row, such as that indicated at 240, may be removed so as to permit the roof of the worked-out portion to gradually subside.

On account of the kerf cutters being comparatively narrow in thickness and mounted for operation on ball bearings, and on account of the depths of the horizonal kerfs being no greater than that illustrated in Fig. 2 the total amount of power necessary to operate the mining machine may be comparatively small. The motors for operating the kerf-cutters are mounted independent of each other to occupy comparativel small individual spaces. The motor for f eeding the apparatus is also separate and inde endent of the motors for driving thekeri-cutters isaid"flexible,-extens1ble conveyenbe and can occupy a small space, i as :shown: in Fig. 2. The depth; of the horizontal kerfs may be regulated in accordance withithe hardness of the coal: and therefore the feeding may he proceeded with rapidly. The

mechanism for operating the loading apparatus may be driven at the same time that the feeding of the mining machine takes place. It will thus be seen that the columns of coal cut from the working -face may be varied in size an'dsuch columns cut rapidly and at the same time that the loading appa ratus is operated. By proceeding rapily with the mining operations illustrated in Fig. 18 and simultaneously carrying on the. loading operations the coal may be removed rapidly from the workingfacebefore the 'roof subsides sufiicien-tly to put much strain on the roof props.

The rapidity of the mining and loading operations is increasedby having the operations carried on in opposite directions, as indicated in. Fig. 18. The tendency for the roof to subside is quite gradual and therefore when the mining and loading operations are carried on rapidly the roof-propping mechanism becomes more reliable and can more easily be removed from in the front rows, or the three rows'illustrated may each more easily beimoved forward to new positions nearer thecworking face. b

It should also be noted thatwhen the mining mechanism is at a lowerelevation than the reel for operatingythe belttoward loading position the tendency for the blocks of coal to slip ofl the belt will be increased and in such instancesthe automatic abutment mechanism shown in'Figs. .16 and 17 to act to positivelymove the blocks of coal up the incline and even when thebelt is re; turned toward the left, asviewed in Fig. 16, the coal cannot slide back down the incline because of the roof jack mechanism. In.

other words, although some of the coal may still be left on an incline the belt 170. may nevertheless be returned toward the mining mechanism while the coal is kept from slid- What I claimand desire tosecure by ters Patent of the United States is:.

1. In a mining and loading maohine,.the

combination with dislodging mechanism; of

a flexible extensible conveyer, belt adapted loading 1 position- J Ward loading position.

to be rolled up and means for o erating k eceive. thedislodged coal i and convey ltg ward loading position. I

2. i In a mining. and loading machine, the eombinationw th mining meehanismgfor dislpdging coal from an upright mine. wall, of extensible conveyer mechanism u comprisingta horizontal flexible belt adapted to be 1. rolledup, and means for reci ITOQ J'ing belt to receive a load ofcoal om said min- 1mg W3. Ina mining and sloading machine,

combination with mining mechanism, of

mechanism and move such coal toward leading. a paratus comprising a flexiblebelt adapted to be: rolled up, and means forioperating said belt to, receive mined .material from said mining. mechanism and moving such materialtowand leading position;

4. In a mining and. loading machine, the

combination ,With mining mechanism, of loading apparatuscomprising a flexible belt carrier adapted tobe rolled up, and means for movingsaid flexible belt, carrier toward said mining. mechanism in position to receive a load and move said carrier belt away from said mining mechanisnrto move the load toward loading. position. b the rear rows and placed in new positions 4 combination with mining mechanism, of

loading apparatus comprising a flexiblebelt adapted to be rolled up and when unrolled ada ted to slide alongthemine floor, reeling mec anism for rolling up said belt, and means for reciprocating said belt to receive aload ofdislodgedmaterial from said mininig mechanismrand move such material to- 6, a: mining and; loading machine; the combination with mining mechanism, of

loading apparatus comprising an elongated flexible belt adapted to: slide over the mine floor, means for reciprocating said belt to receive a load and move it toward leading position, and means, ad'ustable along said. belt in position to exten acrosstthe same to engage the load on the belt to positively move such load toward loading position.

7. In a miningand loading machine,- the combination with miningmechanism of loading apparatus comprising a horizontally reciproeatingbelt adapted to slide over the mine floor, and a load-engaging device .forl gripping the belt when the latter is moved in one direction but permittingfree movementof said belt relatively thereto when said? belt is moved in the opposite direction. A i a a 1 8.In. loading apparatus, the combination with an extensible conveyor comprising a up'and when unrolled adaptedtoslide over the mine floor to varying distan es, and means for; reeling. and .unreeling said belt reel and a flexible. beltpadapted to.berolled shifted along said i the belt and hold said cross-piece 1n ad- *beltand engage material on the belt, and

into. position to receive a load of material and move such materialtoward loading position.

9. In loading apparatus, the combinatlon with an extensible conveyer comprising a raveling belt,-of an abutment device spanning said belt but movable relatively thereto,

and mechanism for causing said abutment deviceto automatically clamp said belt and move with the latter.

rection but permitting the belt to moved freely in theopposite direction relatively to. said cross-piece, and roof jack mechanlsm connected to said cross-piece to cause the latter to be anchored when the belt is moved in such opposite direction and the load is resting against such cross-piece.

' 11. In an automatic abutment for conveyers, the combination with aframe, of clutch mechanism for gripping the belt of a conveyer when such belt is moved in one direction but permitting free movement of said belt relatively to said frame when said belt is moved in the opposite direction. and an abutment face for engaging material on said belt when said clutch mechanism is gripping said belt.

12. In a transverse abutment for apron conveyers, the combination of a cross-piece adapted to span the belt of an apron conveyer, and means for gripping the conveyer .belt to hold said cross-piece in adjusted position on the belt, said gripping means being releasable to permit said cross-piece to be belt to another adjusted position. I

13. An apron conveyer comprising a cross-piece adapted to span a belt carrier,

and a clutch adapted to automatically grip justed position thereon when the belt is moved in load-carrying direction.

14L An apron conveyer comprising an upstanding cross-piece adapted to span the belt, and means for adjustably holding said crosspiece secured to said belt when the latter is moving in load-carrying direction.

15. A conveyer comprising a belt, a transverse frame adapted to span said belt, and

a releasable clutch for securing said crosspiece firmly to said belt when the latter is moving in load-carrying direction and automatically releasing said clutch when the belt moves in the opposite direction.

16. In a conveyer, the combination with a I frame adapted to rest on and slide over the floor, of a belt extending throu h said frame, a cross-piece mounted on sai frame in position to span the upper surface of the clutch mechanism mounted on said frame to .span said belt to hold said cross-piece secured thereto when said belt is moved in load-carryin direction but permitting free movement of said belt through said frame in the opposite direction. 7

17. In a conveyer, the combination with a belt, of a frame ada ted to extend. across the under side of said belt, a oke pivoted to one end of said frame, a re easable connection between the othenend of said frame and said yoke, an abutment cross-piece on said, yoke, and a clutch pawl pivoted to said yoke to span the upper surface in position to co-act with said frame to grip the'belt when the latter is moving in load-carrying direction, said belt being free to move over said frame in the opposite direction.

18. 1n a conveyer for mines, the combination with a carrier, of a cross-piece on said carrier 1n position to engage material on said carrier, and a roof jack movable freely with said cross-piece when said carrier is moved in load-car ing direction but automatically anchored tween the floor and roof when material on said carrier tends to move in the opposite direction.

19. In a conveyer, the combination with an apron carrier, of means thereon for engaging material on the carrier to assist the latter in moving the material in load-carrying direction, and means for automatically anchoring said engaging means when material on said carrier moves in the opposite direction. 7

20. In a conveyer for .mines, the combination with a belt carrier, of a cross-piece adapted to span the belt and positively engage material thereon when moved toward loading position, and a roof jack movable with said cross-piece when said material is being moved toward loading position but acting to be automatically anchored when such material moves in the opposite direction. 7

21. In loading apparatus, the combination with a frame, of winding mechanism thereon comprising a haulage rope, a traveling conveyer belt connected to said rope and adapted to be rolled up, and areel for winding up said conveyer belt. V

22. In loading apparatus, the combination with a portable frame, of a reel thereon, a flexible belt adapted to extend along the floor and be wound on said reel, and means for operating said reel to haul said belt with a load of material thereon; a v

23. In loading apparatus, the combination with a reel mounted to rotate on a horizontal axis, of a flexible belt adapted to be wound thereon and unwound therefrom to lie flat on the floor of a mine chamber, means for pulling said belt to unwind the'same from said reel and drag said belt over the mine floor into position for receiv- 

